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Abstract

Background
Self‐medication results in wastage of resources, increases
resistance of pathogens and generally causes serious health
hazards such as adverse drug reactions, prolonged suffering
and drug dependence. This study was undertaken to
determine the reasons for self‐medication and the pattern
of self‐medication among medical students.
Method
This cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted at the
K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore. The participants
were medical students from first to final year. Medical
students were selected through convenience sampling. The
data was collected using a pre‐tested semi‐structured
questionnaire. The data was analysed using SPSS version 16
and the results expressed as proportions.
Results
A total of 200 students, 121 (60.5%) female and 79 (39.5%)
male, were included in the study. Of the medical students
surveyed, self‐medication was reported among 92%. The
respondents who used self‐medication found it to be timesaving
in providing relief from minor ailments. The most
common ailments for which self‐medication were used
were: the common cold (69%), fever (63%) and headache
(60%). The students consulted their textbooks (39%) and
seniors or classmates (38%) for the medications.
Antipyretics (71%), analgesics (65%), antihistamines (37%)
and antibiotics (34%) were the most common selfmedicated
drugs. Of the respondents, 33% were unaware of
the adverse effects of the medication and 5% had
experienced adverse reactions. The majority (64%) of
students advised medications to others, more often to
family and friends.
Conclusion
The prevalence of self‐medication among medical students
is high, facilitated by the easy availability of drugs and
information from textbooks or seniors. A significant number
of students are unaware of the adverse effects of the
medication that they themselves take and suggest to others.
Therefore, potential problems of self‐medication should be
emphasised to the students.